This has been a difficult eight months for all of us.  The time has been particularly challenging for patients with Pilonidal Disease, particularly those who must to travel outside of their local medical community to find a surgeon who can provide proper treatment.

Finding a Seasoned Surgeon

There are just a few surgeons who perform reliable operations to remove and repair a badly infected Pilonidal Sinus.  As a matter of fact, pilonidal patients may have a great deal of difficulty finding appropriate care close to home as few surgeons perform the Cleft Lift procedure well or routinely.  And it is of the utmost importance to have a proper operation for one’s pilonidal condition. 

Many surgeons still perform “traditional” excisional operations and either leave the wound open requiring patient’s families to pack the wound (bad) or close it in the midline (worse).  The midline closure technique has the highest failure rates of any pilonidal operation (as high as 60%).  Even if the open procedure heals it’s not ideal as it can knock a patient out for many months even if the wound eventually heals.

Traveling for Surgery

Travel has been a concern during the pandemic, however, travel to San Francisco is possible and relatively easy.  Planes are fairly empty.  Airlines allow last minute changes or cancellations without penalties, and hotels are discounted and also empty. 

Since The Sternberg Clinic reopened on September 1, 2020, more than 40 patients have traveled to our clinic in San Francisco for Cleft Lift surgery to treat their Pilonidal Disease. 

We are open and accepting traveling patients.  We hope to be able to help you.